The state of Nevada seems to have the touch of Midas. In the mid-1800s, Nevada was made famous by the discovery of the Comstock Lode, the country's richest silver deposit to date. Fast-forward 100 years, and oil was discovered here. And then there's Nevada's most famous industry: gambling. As the gambling capital of the U.S. and a leading entertainment destination, Nevada has a booming economy and plenty of opportunities for newcomers on the search for jobs, apartments for rent and—of course—good luck.
What to Expect
You can't talk about the Silver State without talking about gambling. State gambling taxes account for more than a third of general fund tax revenues. The tourism associated with Nevada's lucrative gaming destinations account for the strongest factor in the state's economy. Outside of tourism, agriculture and manufacturing are important contributors. Nevada's leading agricultural products are cattle, hay, alfalfa seed, barley, wheat and potatoes. Manufactured products include gaming equipment, lawn and garden irrigation devices, titanium products, seismic and machinery monitoring devices, and specialty printing.
There are a lot of attractions for newcomers, from the hot, mild weather to the expanding job opportunities to the excitement and entertainment afforded by Las Vegas, Reno and other cities. But the main attraction may be Nevada's extremely beneficial cost of living, which is well below the national average. And, the icing on this already enticing cake: no state income tax.
Where to Explore
Most of the land in Nevada is government owned and sparsely populated. The majority of residents live in Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe, Carson City and a few other locales. For those looking for apartments in exciting cities with plenty of opportunities for finding your fortune, Nevada could be the place for you!
Las Vegas Apartments
With a population of more than half a million, Las Vegas is the state's largest city and one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the United States. Vegas is famous (or infamous, depending on your point of view) for gaming, quickie weddings and almost-as-quickie divorces. But there's a lot more to this eclectic city. Although tourism in the "Entertainment Capital of the World" is the most important source of income by far, the city is also booming in manufacturing and industrial employment, the construction of new houses and apartments, and in new service jobs. Newcomers don.t usually have a difficult time in finding employment and affordable apartments. The overall cost of living is 20% below the national average, and there are apartment rentals to suit various interests and budgets. A recent survey found the following average prices for Las Vegas apartments for rent: studio apartments go for an average of $450, one-bedrooms for $575, two-bedrooms for $715 and two-bedrooms for $885. Although it should be noted that with Vegas's quickly expanding population, rent prices can change quickly.
Reno Apartments
At the northern tip of the state, Reno is the second biggest city with a population of about 200,000 residents. Reno's gaming area is like a mini version of Vegas's Strip, complete with posh hotel-casinos and plenty of action. For those who aren't into gambling and its associated vices, or who just need a break from the action, there are plenty of other attractions. The pristine beauty of Lake Tahoe is less than an hour away, offering hiking and water sports in the warmer months and skiing in the winter. Reno is also known for its top-notch golf courses, including PGA Tour host Montreux Golf and Country Club. Prices for apartment rentals are similar to what you'll find in Vegas; apartments go for a median price of $740. Ambitious redevelopment projects are revitalizing the downtown area, so take a look there for bargains.
